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TV Ratings Report: Thursday Night Slump
by Dan Gomez, Access assistant research director
With the writers strike over, many in the TV industry are hoping that all those viewers they lost would flock to their TV sets now that there are new episodes of their favorite shows. Well keep hoping, networks. Things are down all over.
For example, last night's number one show "CSI" was seen by almost 18 million viewers. The crime drama is up from last week by 800,000 people. This is a good number and most shows would kill to get it but “CSI” used to be TV’s number one show and would bring at least 24 million a week.
"Grey's Anatomy", the night's number two show, finished with 15 million viewers. The medical soap opera is down from last week by just over 1 million. Maybe it’s the overexposure of the show’s stars, either in the news or on the big screen but “Grey’s” like “CSI” is down significantly. In fact, “Grey’s” and “CSI” would often compete for the week’s top spot.
"Ugly Betty", which was seen by 8 million last night, is also down from last week by about a million people. The good folks at the mouse house are certainly wishing upon the star that an appearance by volatile supermodel Naomi Campbell on “Betty’s” season finale and continuing rumors of Lindsay Lohan guest starring will get people to tune in.
Now I love “Scrubs” and “30 Rock”, I tune in every week but despite having award winning and critically acclaimed comedies, NBC continues to struggle on Thursday night. The Peacock didn't even come close to breaking into the double digits, averaging just 7 million viewers for the night. Even the venerable "ER" is way down, bringing in just over 7 million people. I used to watch “ER” back in its heyday and it was a great show but after the core cast left, things really took a slide. It’s depressing.
This was a show that would bring at least 35 million viewers a week and was the number one show for years. I really believe "ER" should have left the air 5 seasons ago when it was still popular. If “Seinfeld” taught us anything, it’s to always go out on top and leave people wanting more. Unfortunately, When “ER” goes off the air next season, most people won’t even care.
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